Van Tassell, L. R. Mrs. – Died 1895

VAN TASSEL, VAN TESSELL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/17/2021 at 12:54:36

Source: Decorah Republican Aug. 1, 1895 P 3 C 4

Arrested for Murder.
NASHUA, July 27.—Coroner Dr. J. D. Horton closed the inquest yesterday over the remains of Mrs. L. R. Van Tassell, and at once issued his warrant to sheriff Murphy, of Chickasaw County, for the arrest of L. Ray Van Tessell. He was apprehended at Oelwein, Iowa. He is charged with willfully murdering his wife June 5, 1895 he having used rough on rats and strychnine. The authorities think they have conclusive proof of his guilt. For the past four months Frank Wind, a detective from Chicago, has been traveling with Van Tassell, and has been in communication during that period with Corner Horton and County Attorney Cleary. Van Tassell has been married to the woman whom it is claimed he poisoned about two years. They had one child, now about a year old. He had been caught in several crooked deals by insurance companies who were pressing him hard at the time of his wife’s death. His wife was about to be again confined, and his crooked deals with their penalties would have given him a long term in prison. It is presumed by the authorities that he wished to be rid of his wife so as to be able to leave the country.

Transcriber’s Note: The last name is spelled two different ways.